HC Deb 23 February 1961 vol 635 cc770-1
15. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Minister of Education whether he will take steps to increase further the number of places in teacher training colleges.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

The number of training college places is being doubled by the addition of 24,000 new places planned for completion between 1962 and 1966. This is a very large programme which is fully stretching our resources.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the problem stems from the Government's complete miscalculation of the number of children to be taught? Is he satisfied that even this programme will be adequate for the task in the next ten years? What has the Minister of Education to say in defence of having got his sums wrong before I award him a dunce's cap?

Sir D. Eccles

The Minister of Education is not able to forecast the birth rate five or ten years ahead. We intend to await the report of Lord Robbins' inquiry into higher education in order to see what may be the best relationship between teacher training colleges and universities.

Mr. Wiley

In view of this recognition of the importance of the training colleges, will the Minister now see the Prime Minister and ask him to extend the representation on the Robbins Committee to provide for an adequate voice from the training colleges themselves?

Sir D. Eccles

We have reconsidered this question and have come to the conclusion that we must abide by the small committee which Lord Robbins wants.

16. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to ensure that the 185 temporary teachers who were unsuccessful in gaining admission to a training college last September are trained and retained in the teaching profession.

Sir D. Eccles

The training colleges select the best candidates available, whether they are temporary teachers or not, and a large number of temporary teachers have been accepted.

Mr. Boyden

Is it not quite deplorable that 185 temporary teachers—the actual figure may be twice this number—cannot be accepted? Does not the Minister agree that either they were unsuitable for the classroom when they were temporary teachers and should have been dismissed or they should have been found accommodation?

Sir D. Eccles

I do not think that it follows that because a man is a temporary teacher he is necessarily as good as all other candidates who are presenting themselves from other sources.